I taste bile in my mouth. I hunch over, throwing up my breakfast. Tears begin to well up in my eyes, blurring my vision. Then I feel the warmth of Mace’s hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles. I fall to my hands and knees, breathing ragged, and tears rolling down my face.
I’m overcome with emotions: disbelief, betrayal, sadness, anger, and denial. I push Mace’s hand away from me and crawl backward, away from him. My heart beats wildly in my chest. Mace is the enemy, and I must get away from him, but my legs feel heavy, and I don’t have the energy to stand up. I feel so drained, suddenly. I see Mace’s feet move toward me. I scream, crawling away from him.
“Little Angel?” Mace’s gentle voice makes me look up at him. His face is blurry. I wipe the tears away with the back of my hands, b
